Market
Barite price per ton: what the data shows and what drives it
There is no single barite price. Grade, processing, packing and freight can change the cost of a tonne more than the market itself.
Quick answer
The U.S. Geological Survey reports an average unit value for ground barite in the United States of $210 per tonne ex-works in 2025, the same as in 2024 and down from $218 in 2023.1 Prices for a specific delivery depend on grade, particle size, packing, volume and freight.
The public price data
Most barite price assessments are sold by subscription. The most authoritative free series is the USGS average unit value for ground barite sold in the United States, measured ex-works, before freight.
For international trade, the price reporting agency Fastmarkets has published monthly assessments since 2023 for API drilling-grade barite, specific gravity 4.10, unground lump in bulk, FOB China, FOB Chennai and FOB Morocco.2 These are subscription prices and are not reproduced here.
Why export prices differ by country
Customs data gives another view. Dividing each country's barite export value by its export volume shows very different averages in 2024:3
These averages do not mean the same product costs twice as much in one country. Crude lump barite and ground or micronized barite share one customs code, so a country that exports more processed product shows a higher average.
What drives the price of a delivered tonne
- Grade. Specific gravity and purity matter most. API 13A drilling barite has a 4.20 grade and a 4.10 grade, and high-purity, high-whiteness grades for coatings sit in a different market.
- Processing. Lump, ground and micronized barite are different products. Finer grinding takes more energy and quality control.
- Packing. Bulk, big bags and small bags each carry different handling costs.
- Freight. USGS notes that offshore and onshore drilling outside the central and western United States mainly uses imported barite, because ocean freight costs less than moving it by rail and truck.1 Distance and route can outweigh small differences in the ex-works price.
- Supply policy. In April 2026, India, the largest producer, made exports of its 4.2 and 4.1 specific gravity grades subject to a licence.4 Policy changes like this affect availability and price.
- Drilling demand. USGS reports that barite use per rig has been rising because wells are deeper, so demand does not simply follow the rig count.1
How to get a useful quote
A supplier can only give an accurate price when it knows the specification, the volume and where the material is going. Include these in your enquiry:
- The grade or specification, for example API 13A 4.2 or 4.1, or the particle size and whiteness you need
- The volume per shipment and per year
- The packing you want
- The delivery point and Incoterm
Frequently asked questions
How much does barite cost per ton?
USGS reports an average of $210 per tonne ex-works for ground barite in the United States in 2025. Actual prices vary with grade, processing, packing, volume and freight.
Why is micronized barite more expensive than drilling barite?
Micronized barite is ground much finer, which takes more energy and tighter quality control. Grades for coatings also need high purity and whiteness.
Where can I find current barite prices?
USGS publishes an annual average for the United States. Price reporting agencies such as Fastmarkets publish monthly assessments by subscription. For a specific delivery, ask suppliers for a quote.
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Barite, February 2026. pubs.usgs.gov
- Fastmarkets, "Launch of three monthly price assessments for barite", 31 August 2023. fastmarkets.com
- World Bank WITS, UN Comtrade: natural barium sulphate (HS 251110) exports by country, 2024. Unit values calculated as export value divided by quantity. wits.worldbank.org
- Bhatia Bhola & Associates, "DGFT Notification 12/2026 dated 17.04.2026: baryte export policy amended", 22 April 2026. bhatiabhola.com
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